Teachers representing the math department pitched an overhaul to several math courses for the upcoming school year to the board of education on Dec. 12 Lisa Bregar and Cathy Lory presented the proposal, aimed at making improvements to the math analysis course, as well as optimization of various mathematics pathways at Oak Park High School. 

The math department has been considering incorporating the brand new AP Precalculus course from the College Board. 

“This course is essentially a slightly more rigorous version of our current CP Math Analysis curriculum,” Breggar said. 

The current math analysis course has a wide range of abilities among students. 

“We have students earning nearly 100% in the class who are definitely not being challenged enough, but also students who are struggling to maintain a C or even a D,” Bregar said.

Traditionally, Finite Math has been the course geared towards students who want four years of math but don’t want the challenge of math analysis. With Finite Math enrollment dwindling to one class of 19 students this year, the department sees an opportunity to both meet the needs of students and fix the Finite Math issue by incorporating AP Precalculus. 

“Instead of offering Finite Math (CP) and MA (CP), we would offer a new version of MA (CP) to replace Finite Math (CP), which would be much less rigorous than our current MA (CP). This new version of MA (CP) will be for students who are not planning to take Calculus at OPHS but would like the rigor of a trig-based course on their college application,” Bregar said.

AP Precalculus will fill the space the current CP Math Analysis occupies, essentially remaining the same with regard to content, while additionally offering AP credit. 

“The AP Precalculus will be for students who are planning to pursue Calculus and a STEM major and are very confident in their Algebra and Geometry skills without needing any review,” Bregar said.

As for the new CP Math Analysis, it will be changed to reflect the needs of students wishing to take a less strenuous math class. 

¨Students who have historically been too intimidated to take MA (CP) can now attempt to do so in a less rigorous way. The students who do not feel challenged enough in the current Math Analysis (CP) would have a more rigorous option in AP Precalculus.” Bregar said.

No changes will be made to the other mathematics offerings like Statistics, Data Science and Personal Finance, as those are different math pathways.

“If the changes are approved, all Algebra 2 classes will receive more detailed information about these changes through their teacher and their counselors when we near the registration process in the spring,” Bregar said.

If you have more interest in the new math course for the OPHS school year of 24-25, take a look at the slideshow presented at the board meeting.